It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re closing in on American Thanksgiving, but there’s plenty of material on the hot stove. There have been a couple of early-season deals. However, more trades made happen as we get closer to the start of the new year. There’s still plenty of time left in the season, but deals could come out of nowhere. One team that may have to trade a key player is the Boston Bruins. This edition of NHL rumours looks at one important forward that could be on the block.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins Forward Could Be on the Trade Block
Rumour: ESPN insider and former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes said that Bruins forward Trent Frederic is drawing interest from a few teams around the league.
In speaking to sources, several teams are interested in pending UFA (after this season) @NHLBruins Frederic. With his size, speed, toughness, character and skill – he’s drawing attention in the marketplace.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/zzM7yqLyW2
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) November 5, 2024
Analysis: Frederic is heading into the final year of his contract that sees him make $2.3 million per season. The 26-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of his current deal. Boston is currently tied for third in the Atlantic Division going into Saturday’s game with the Ottawa Senators.
Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney could try to shake up the lineup and trading the St Louis native could be a way to make that happen. Frederic currently has a goal and three points in15 games this campaign.
The veteran forward is coming off a career-high 18-goal season in 2023-24. However, he’s gotten off to a slow start this year. Frederic has been in the bottom-six forward group for a good portion of the campaign.
What Does Frederic Bring?
Frederic is a big-body at 6-foot, 3-inches tall and 220 pounds. He can be a physical player in any lineup and has other good qualities about his gamee
The veteran forward also possess speed, toughness, character and skill. Those qualities have gotten him more ice time than he’s averaged in his career. Frederic currently nets an average of 13 minutes, 30 seconds for average ice time. That’s over a minute more than he normally has so far in his career, which was 12:12.
These qualities have endeared him to the Boston faithful and made him a fan favourite. However, this may be a case of Sweeney wanting to get something before Frederic would walk away for nothing in free agency.
Who Could be in the Market?
Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News recently mentioned three teams that could in the market for Frederic. The Colorado Avalanche have gotten banged up by injuries and could use some reinforcements. Colorado may have some cap space with all of those injury issues and could squeeze Frederic into the lineup.
DeRosa also mentions the Minnesota Wild as a possible suitor. Minnesota has bounced back after an inconsistent 2023-24 season and are among the top teams in the Western Conference. Adding Frederic would give the Wild some grit in the middle part of their lineup.
The final team mentioned was the Los Angeles Kings, who are off to a good start as well. He would provide some added depth to the bottom-part of their lineup. General manager Rob Blake may look to upgrade after their fast start.
Boston could stabilize and decide to keep the young forward. However, there’s no shortage of teams that could use Frederic’s services.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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